Accra, Ghana: During her visit to Ghana for the inauguration of Ghana’s President, H.E John Dramani Mahama on January 7, 2025, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, met with Joshua Opey, the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Youth Council, the first Ghanaian to serve in this capacity and only the second African to serve in this capacity.

The meeting provided a platform for discussing Joshua Opey’s ambitious 5-star plan for the over 1.5 Billion young people across the Commonwealth. Key areas of focus included education, skills, inclusive leadership and the role of young people in addressing global challenges such as climate change and digital transformation.

Rt Hon Patricia Scotland commended Opey for his exemplary leadership and dedication to youth advocacy, stating, “Joshua represents the innovation, resilience, and leadership that define the youth of the Commonwealth. His vision aligns with our commitment to ensuring young people are at the heart of our shared future.”

Joshua Opey outlined his vision of fostering collaboration among member states to develop sustainable youth programs and create pathways for meaningful employment and entrepreneurship. The two also discussed the various initiatives being rolled out by the Commonwealth and how the CYC can maximise the benefits of ongoing programs such as the Commonwealth AI Academy and the numerous digital skilling platforms provided by the Commonwealth for young people.

The Secretary-General pledged the Secretariat’s unwavering support in advancing these goals, emphasising the importance of building partnerships and leveraging resources to amplify the voices and impact of young leaders across the Commonwealth.